University of St Thomas-Saint Paul Top Questions

I would tell my high school self to take more Advanced Placement courses. It would have helped tremendously to have those credits coming into a four year university. I also would have told myself to volunteer with some local organizations. I personally believe that I was ready for the transition to college/dorm life because of the way I grew up, but if I had been more involved in things throughout high school it would have helped me tremendously.

If I could go back in time to talk to myself when I was a senior I would say to be involved in school clubs. I regret not taking part in extra curricular activites at my high school. I went to Wayzata High School which is located in Plymouth, Minnesota. I participated in all my classes but I never though of doing something extra. It felt unnessesary for me because I tought the required basic classes was enough for me to be accepted to a great college. However now I know that its hardly the case. Therefore If I could change my actions in high school I would definately join school clubs like Chineese or German club.

With the life situations I've faced since graduation, I'd have to say that I would challenge myself to go to college and do the best that I could while there. To be focused, encouraged,and determined not to fail. I'd also encourgae a good strong work ethic to establish a solid foundation. Now that I have a daughter, I realize that I can only give her the best as I do my best to get the best education available. She is my encouragement, and knowing that I set the stage as she watches me go to school a bring home good grades it motivates her to bring home good grades also. It has also motivated her to want to go on to college. She has asked me numerous times how soon could she start college if she works as hard as me. That makes me want work harder just so I can provide her with ample opportunites to do what ever her heart desires. Its just the two of us, so all I have is her and with the proper education I can encourage and show her how hard work pays off.

I would go back and tell myself not to stress out as much. College was a much easier transition that what I thought it was going to be. Making friends was easier than I thought because people are also searching for friends. I would go back and advise myself not to room with my friend. Living with one of my friends is not easy and I would go back and advise myself to live with a random roommate. Not only does it give you an opportunity to meet someone else, but you can avoid arugments with a friend that you otherwise would not have. I would advise myself to take later classes. I had eight o'clock classes everyday and it took a toll on me. I would advise myself to take later morning classes becasue then you can still get classes done early but you aren't sleep your day away. Those are just a few things that I would go back and advise myself to do and anyone else.

If I could somehow turn back time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself to keep pushing forward, to not give in to "senioritis." I definitely worked hard in high school and that is demonstrated by my academic record (was valedictorian in a class of 168 students) and heavy involvement in extracurricular activities. Nevertheless, I think I could have done more in regard to receiving outside scholarships. I procrastinated and didn't even think to apply for more than I did. I would also tell the "high school me" that taking every AP and college level course available was a great idea and to never hesitate registering for them. Not only did I challenge myself at the time and learn a lot, but the rigor transferred into my college experience. If I hadn't taken upper-level courses, I think I would have felt much less prepared. And, as it turns out, college has been going just fine. Lastly, I would tell myself to enjoy the time while I could. Senior year was my opportunity to have a little relaxation before the pressure of college and growing up ensued.

Looking back at my senior year, I would advise myself to try harder to receive a higher score on my ACT. Although my score was acceptable, I now realize that with a higher score, I may have been elegible for more scholarships, as UST is very expensive. I would have also researched UST more to find out which courses transferred here from the college I took PSEO classes at, because I now realize that I took a few unnecessary classes my senior year. I also regret not doing more volunteer work, as I see now that colleges and communities really appreciate volunteers and I did enjoy volunteering. I would also advise myself to take more math classes, as I choose not to take trig and calc in high school, and I found these courses at St. Thomas very challenging since I had no previous background with this. My goal is to graduate from UST with a great GPA in as little time as possible so I can begin my career in the business world.

I would tell myself to not overwhelm myself with courses. To not only be involved and excel academically but take time to invest in freindships. To seek out early on like mided people on campus who I could see myself being friends with for years past college. To truly enjoy my non major classes and try to learn and grow in the required religion and philosophy courses.

Never ever let anyone influence your decisions. Stick to your gut and your passions and you will end up in the direction you want to go. And read, because I always wish I was able to add more to conversations with others. I wish I were more knowledgable in a variety of subjects and a better writer. If I were to suggest anything to myself, those would be the two things.

My advice to myself would be to talk more to the guidance councelor and get everything I needed for the scholarships that were available.

I would encourage high school students that are preparing for college to think a lot about what they may be interested in studying and pursure a school with this program. I have seen a lot of students waste a significant amount of time and/or money at college becasue the school they went to didn't offer what they desired to study. Also, I would suggest being very attentive to the courses they choose once they begin college. I have wasted money on taking classes that end up being fulfilled by a different class I have to take, when if I would have planned out my course plan more in advance I could have saved time and money. Lastly, I would encourage students to be bold in finding a group of people right away who share the same beliefs and morals as they do. Having support is very important to help you maintain what you hold to be true, but also to grow stronger in character. It is also significant for you to be able to support and encourage others in what they believe. This will help you be the best student and person you can be.